Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz S-class to Use More Composites and Aluminum

Jens Meiners

Mar 17, 2014

Marc Urbano

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It may not seem like it, given the car’s larger-than-life proportions, but the latest Mercedes-Benz S-class incorporates a lot of cutting-edge lightweight technology, including plenty of aluminum and high-strength steel. But the next generation is set to focus even more on saving weight.

Yes, the next S won’t be launched until after 2020, but it’s never too early to gather information. Speaking with Herman-Joseph Storp, who is responsible for the S-class line, at the Geneva auto show, Worldcarfans reports than Benz is intent on making the S-Class “even greener.” Storp also mentioned that one way to do this would be to use more aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

With ever-tightening regulations and efficiency requirements, the entire industry has realized the importance of lightweight construction, and most companies—including Mercedes-Benz—will achieve that goal through a clever mix of materials. The diversity of approaches is fascinating: Audi and Jaguar have adopted all-aluminum construction, and BMW is betting, er, heavily on carbon-fiber. The material fulfills a technical need and an almost equally important marketing purpose in the new i3 and i8 models, and BMW hopes to bring down cost and reap further benefits by using the woven stuff liberally in the next-generation 7-series.